Recommendation from Ed J Fraughton

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

To Whom It May Concern:

Bryce Liston was employed as my apprentice and master craftsman in my sculpture studio and bronze foundry between the years of 1985 to 1999. During that time, he assisted me in making molds and casting various collector size editions of my sculpture in bronze. Bryce understands and has mastered every step in the process including mold-making using silicon and other flexible rubbers, pouring and chasing waxes, gating, dipping ceramic shell molds, burnout, pouring, welding, metal chasing and patina. Bryce helped me point-up several works in monumental scale. I dare say that I can think of no one else in the country who is better equipped or skilled in carrying out these tasks.

Before he came to work for me, Bryce enrolled in the University of Utah art program. There, he became discouraged over his professors' petty political attitudes, their bias toward abstract art, and their general lack of respect for his own traditional art leanings. As part of his personal training, he made several trips to Europe and the British Isles to visit the museums and galleries specifically so he could study up close the works of such great masters as Rembrandt, Bouguereau, Alma-Tadema, Godward, Sargent and others.

Since he left my employment to pursue his own career, Bryce has created a number of very fine classical paintings and sculpture. His works are in the same vane as those of his mentors. I am particularly impressed with the technical and emotional qualities of his works. They show a deep understanding of design, color, light value, anatomy, linear and aerial perspective. His powers of observation are evident in his landscapes, figures and animal studies, since he typically works from life.

Bryce is an artist of the first order. I am very proud of my association with him. He has earned his maturity and understanding of fine art mainly through his love and pure craftsmanship, his dedication of purpose and principled conviction. He is able to tell his story in whatever medium he chooses; oil, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, or bronze.

Bryce has always been a great person to work with. He is a team player, cares about people and has very clean work habits. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him back and would recommend him to anyone for whatever project would be presented to him.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Fraughton